I went on a cruise!!!

Okay, so I've been back from my trip for a week but I have barely been able to catch my breath, let alone blog. I've been so busy working, cleaning, snuggling, doing laundry, cooking, and generally sorting out my thoughts after being gone for a whole week! My family did great and I had a blast! But I missed them a lot and am enjoying being mom again( housekeeper, not so much!)

Heading to Long Beach California to go on a Mexican cruise with seven other good girlfriends sounds impossible and crazy but we got a really good deal and we just planned it to death and it actually happened. I highly recommend a girl getaway even if it seems unlikely! It was so refreshing to just laugh and be silly and enjoy the company of ladies I love and trust. A truly unique vacation that restored and rested me! And the sunshine in February helped a bit too!

waiting in the airport with Kari to fly to Long Beach!

Karin, my flying buddy

Wendy,Erin,Sarah,Kari, Kate, Emily, Karin and me
We're ready to get on board and get this party started!

Wendy and I enjoying the sun on the deck

Our first night at dinner

Erin and I in front of our room

On the tendering boat to Catalina Island

Heading into Avalon to shop

Catalina Island and the city of Avalon


La Casino, or the meeting place. Built for the first movie with sound.

Erin, Wendy, Kate and Emily

Emily, Sarah and I enjoying the beautiful view

Our cruise ship

Kate, Erin and I taking a load off in a cozy courtyard

Karin and I

Erin and Emily sitting pretty

Erin, Wendy and I with the fiddle player from Extreme Country.
We know, we're dumb!

A fancy breakfast before heading into Mexico

All of us posing by the water

Erin and I at La Bufadora, the blowhole in Ensenada Mexico

Me and Kate in front of the "geyser"

Kari and I looking out at the gorgeous view!

Erin pointing out all the "designer" bags for sale

Shopping

Eating our authentic tacos, YUM!

Me and Wendy before the last show

Erin and I in our room with out towel animal

The eagle ice carving

Our front row seats for ice carving and the Hairy Chest contest! Gross!

Group shot on the ship's deck, last day at sea

Our last dinner with our sweet server!

Debarkation

watching a movie in Long Beach waiting for our flight home

So sad to leave!

My family surprised me and picked me up at the airport

saying goodbye at the airport

Two hours and three cups of coffee later I finished uploading and arranging all those picture! I should have made a slide show or collage or something! Sorry, I just couldn't cut out anymore. You may be a little tired of looking at the same eight faces over and over but I think a good picture is one with people in it! What an amazing experience! I love you girls!